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modem77

(191 posts)
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:09 PM Oct 2012

‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran.


A debt collector, angered that a disabled US Army veteran was living off of disability payments, told him he “should have died” in war instead of "taking advantage of" other Americans.

­Minnesota-based debt collection agency Gurstel Chargo is now facing a lawsuit for verbally abusing the Army vet over a $6,000 defaulted student loan, Courthouse News reports.

“If you would have served our country better you would not be a disabled veteran living off Social Security while the rest of us honest Americans work our asses off,” one of the agency’s debt collectors allegedly told the vet. “Too bad, you should have died.”

more at link
https://rt.com/usa/news/us-debt-collector-disabled-veteran-372/


85 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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‘You should’ve served US better and died!’ Debt collector berates disabled veteran. (Original Post) modem77 Oct 2012 OP
Effing wow! malaise Oct 2012 #1
That would be perfect! Sekhmets Daughter Oct 2012 #5
I'm active army Risen Demon Oct 2012 #11
we have your back shireen Oct 2012 #28
It's easy when you and your family aren't getting killed or injured malaise Oct 2012 #69
Here, here! ChaoticTrilby Oct 2012 #33
Debt collectors could be used to clear mine fields. Dawson Leery Oct 2012 #2
The mean ones, anyway. GreenPartyVoter Oct 2012 #3
Do you know any debt collectors who aren't mean-spirited? nt. OldDem2012 Oct 2012 #16
I had one who called to collect on a medical debt. Wanted to speak to the GreenPartyVoter Oct 2012 #19
The article with the story is incredible.. Stuart G Oct 2012 #80
Yes, it is really awful how they chase people down and just make their lives a living hell. GreenPartyVoter Oct 2012 #84
Best idea I've read all day. Sekhmets Daughter Oct 2012 #4
OMG Sanity Claws Oct 2012 #6
No empathy...humm....like a vulture. Historic NY Oct 2012 #10
Think they screwed up royally when they told him to get a lawyer. Downwinder Oct 2012 #7
No doubt a Rmoney surrogate ProudToBeBlueInRhody Oct 2012 #8
What's the Kipling line? "... making mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep" . . . Journeyman Oct 2012 #9
How about sending them on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Fire Walk With Me Oct 2012 #12
Mr. Debt Collector, we're still at war. Time for you to enlist and put your ass on the line. Barack_America Oct 2012 #13
Tbagger - just let em die. Jerk! Hoyt Oct 2012 #14
That is horrible! NutmegYankee Oct 2012 #15
Hopefully the ones who work there a long time end up cutting their wrists ! RagAss Oct 2012 #20
Could that be the reason why........ left on green only Oct 2012 #53
You should be able to do more than just sue this kind of predator... OldDem2012 Oct 2012 #17
He must be a republican clydefrand Oct 2012 #18
No DECENT person would ever say this. efhmc Oct 2012 #65
Where do they find these horrible people madaboutharry Oct 2012 #21
Shocking and sociopathic We People Oct 2012 #22
You know who the debt collector is going to vote for. Fortunately, he will be unemployed bluestate10 Oct 2012 #23
Oh hell no!! This is evidence of today's culture. 47% anyone? SaveAmerica Oct 2012 #24
This is terrible. Why do people even talk to these leeches? Egalitarian Thug Oct 2012 #25
As this outfit is based in Minnesota, I do hope they have also filed a formal complaint with dflprincess Oct 2012 #26
How could anyone talk to a vet that way? underthematrix Oct 2012 #27
Debt collectors are the scum of the earth. I'd live on the street before I'd work as one. nt Comrade_McKenzie Oct 2012 #29
What a disgusting PIG! Auntie Bush Oct 2012 #30
If anyone can find this guy's address Lilma Oct 2012 #31
I looked but it's confusing DiverDave Oct 2012 #60
My Answer donqpublic Oct 2012 #32
Sounds like Mitt Romney. Drunken Irishman Oct 2012 #34
You better believe it! n/t AverageJoe90 Oct 2012 #37
My mom has a debt collector DemKittyNC Oct 2012 #35
Think she should sue? sakabatou Oct 2012 #36
She needs to cancel her landline and get a cell phone. End of problem. juajen Oct 2012 #40
This message was self-deleted by its author AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2012 #50
This is from a long time ago actually it just made me remember this. DemKittyNC Oct 2012 #68
gurstel chargo is actually lawyers. HiPointDem Oct 2012 #38
This figures. Right Wing Asshat. Ikonoklast Oct 2012 #54
bachman. wouldn't you just know it. HiPointDem Oct 2012 #55
What. The. Fu.....? NashvilleLefty Oct 2012 #39
Really, is that any different than what Romney and the TBs have already said? defacto7 Oct 2012 #41
+1. Same result. I think about Ryan's grandmother fawning over him in a campaign pic... freshwest Oct 2012 #51
Absolutely fucking disgraceful. AverageJoe90 Oct 2012 #42
What a sick job thinking berating people is the best Cha Oct 2012 #43
Shoot him The Wizard Oct 2012 #44
Ever seen those mafia movies mick063 Oct 2012 #61
simply reinforces my theory that all debt collectors (and irs agents) are reincarnated ss. niyad Oct 2012 #45
Yes, because the SS are best known for their derisive comments . . . Journeyman Oct 2012 #48
the mentality that made the comments--who knows what else that creep is up to. niyad Oct 2012 #74
Have you ever worked with IRS employees? Sgent Oct 2012 #81
debt collectors are truly soulless, heartless creatures. Terra Alta Oct 2012 #46
This needs a lot of attention. Back in 04 and 05 the constant argument for war was SleeplessinSoCal Oct 2012 #47
This message was self-deleted by its author AnotherMcIntosh Oct 2012 #49
wtf Indep2992 Oct 2012 #52
They might be able to sue. There are strict rules regarding debt collection, esp harassment/abuse Michigan Alum Oct 2012 #56
There are some banks and collection agencies that are real high on the slime factor davidn3600 Oct 2012 #57
There is a special place in hell AC_Mem Oct 2012 #58
that debt collector probably needs mental help eShirl Oct 2012 #59
Bill Collector Tried to Shame Me After Catastrophic Illness stumblnrose Oct 2012 #62
Beneath contempt. sibelian Oct 2012 #63
In response to the Debt collector.. AsahinaKimi Oct 2012 #64
THIS is what Republican greed-head rhetoric has wrought. THIS. I hold Romney, Ryan, and their ilk WinkyDink Oct 2012 #66
I had one call me on a neighbor. Said it was a family emergency. alphafemale Oct 2012 #67
That was blatantly illegal on their part. hobbit709 Oct 2012 #70
They called you for a neighbor?? DiverDave Oct 2012 #71
I couldn't do it. alphafemale Oct 2012 #79
Bain capitalists. lonestarnot Oct 2012 #72
These people are evil SOBs! Odin2005 Oct 2012 #73
K & R !!! WillyT Oct 2012 #75
I just sent them an email and thanked them for their service magical thyme Oct 2012 #76
This is how the American Taliban marezdotes Oct 2012 #77
OMG treestar Oct 2012 #78
It may be that a lawsuit in this case will collect more than enough for MineralMan Oct 2012 #82
Yes, hopefully it violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act treestar Oct 2012 #83
Alan Simpson got a new job? sabrina 1 Oct 2012 #85

malaise

(269,020 posts)
1. Effing wow!
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:12 PM
Oct 2012

The only good news is that the 47% will soon tell the 1% to go fight their own fugging wars.

Risen Demon

(199 posts)
11. I'm active army
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:24 PM
Oct 2012

I shouldn't be saying this, but...

I fucking agree!!!

Too many armchairs and chickenhawks calling the shots.

shireen

(8,333 posts)
28. we have your back
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:37 PM
Oct 2012

and thanks for your service.


edited to add: by "we," i mean Democrats. The Obamas and Bidens have done far more for the military than those previous WH occupants.

ChaoticTrilby

(211 posts)
33. Here, here!
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:55 PM
Oct 2012

I've always said that whoever wages war should go ahead and fight in it. Only logical, as I see it.

GreenPartyVoter

(72,377 posts)
19. I had one who called to collect on a medical debt. Wanted to speak to the
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:45 PM
Oct 2012

patient in question, but when I informed her that he was only 3years old she laughed and was very affable after that. So, yeah, there is at least one.

Stuart G

(38,427 posts)
80. The article with the story is incredible..
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:33 PM
Oct 2012

Evidently there are thousands of these kinds of outbursts by debt collecters every year..If they can get someone to pay, they get 20 percent..that is a lot.

Barack_America

(28,876 posts)
13. Mr. Debt Collector, we're still at war. Time for you to enlist and put your ass on the line.
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:34 PM
Oct 2012

Let's have YOU make that sacrifice.

NutmegYankee

(16,199 posts)
15. That is horrible!
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:39 PM
Oct 2012

I mean yeah, you have to be an awful person* just to work debt collection for long, but damn!

*No one I've known has lasted more than a month working a debt collection call center. They broke down from the tragic stories they heard.

OldDem2012

(3,526 posts)
17. You should be able to do more than just sue this kind of predator...
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:43 PM
Oct 2012

....making this guy enlist and go to Afghanistan's worst area might be a good start.

madaboutharry

(40,212 posts)
21. Where do they find these horrible people
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:52 PM
Oct 2012

To work as debt collectors? What person would take a job like that? Only a hateful bully and sociopath, that's who. Ugh.

We People

(619 posts)
22. Shocking and sociopathic
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 10:58 PM
Oct 2012

Unforgivable and unspeakable - This destructive, poisonous ideology needs to be wiped from the earth

bluestate10

(10,942 posts)
23. You know who the debt collector is going to vote for. Fortunately, he will be unemployed
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:00 PM
Oct 2012

when he votes. And I hope fucking unemployed forever.

 

Egalitarian Thug

(12,448 posts)
25. This is terrible. Why do people even talk to these leeches?
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:21 PM
Oct 2012

They can't really do anything that people don't agree to let them do, they are powerless. They depend on empty threats and bluster to steal money from people that generally don't have any.

dflprincess

(28,078 posts)
26. As this outfit is based in Minnesota, I do hope they have also filed a formal complaint with
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:27 PM
Oct 2012

the state Attorney General's office - which takes a dim view of strong arm tactics by debt collectors.

DiverDave

(4,886 posts)
60. I looked but it's confusing
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:38 AM
Oct 2012

I would LOVE to be able to sit on the hood of his car when he gets off work.
Needs to be taught some manners,that one.
Especially to my brothers and sisters in the service.
Since I got out,I've considered them my family.could be worth a trip.

donqpublic

(155 posts)
32. My Answer
Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:49 PM
Oct 2012

Gather the collector and execs and send them to Syria. Maybe their admonishment will come true.

DemKittyNC

(743 posts)
35. My mom has a debt collector
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:43 AM
Oct 2012

tell her she should blow her head off since she is too poor to afford to pay her bills that she would be better off. This must happen all the time. My mom cried for hours after that phone call. Debt collectors are truly the scum of the earth.

Response to juajen (Reply #40)

DemKittyNC

(743 posts)
68. This is from a long time ago actually it just made me remember this.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 08:04 AM
Oct 2012

She actually uses her cell phone more now but she has had debt collectors call her cell also from time to time. Even though I thought that was completely illegal for them to do that.

 

HiPointDem

(20,729 posts)
38. gurstel chargo is actually lawyers.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:55 AM
Oct 2012
http://www.gurstel.com/home

and it looks like they're pretty big ones.

Practice Areas

Creditors Rights | Litigation | Corporate

Our practice blend is uniquely designed to provide businesses with financial solutions and asset recovery. Our focus provides sophisticated and occasionally unlikely solutions to our clients fiscally driven matters.
Industries We Serve

Serving a broad base of industries that are similar as they uniformly appreciate quality service at a digestible rate.

http://www.gurstel.com/what-we-do

They quote the buddha, too. what spiritual guys!

If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves. If we cheat another, we cheat ourselves.
– Buddha

http://www.gurstel.com/what-we-do


looks like they're collections for capital one. and they have offices in 4 states.

Minnesota:
6681 Country Club Drive
Golden Valley, MN 55427
p 763-267-6700
f 763-267-6777

Arizona:
9320 E Raintree Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
p 480-966-9300
f 480-420-2245

Iowa:
500 E Court Ave Ste #104
Des Moines, IA 50309
p 515-868-0462
f 515-244-0506

Nebraska:
9202 West Dodge Road #202
Omaha, NE 68114

Todd Gurstel

Todd is the founding partner of the firm and is addicted to business ownership. In addition to the law firm, he currently owns a debt collection and debt purchasing firm.

Considering himself a business owner first, Todd is performance driven and readily seeks efficiencies to improve process and increase profit—his clients’ and his own.

Todd is a creditors’ remedies attorney who serves clients with debt recovery solutions as well as litigation representation. Todd is a recognized leader within the creditors rights industry and is known for regularly setting and sharing best practice standards. Board member, American Board of Certification of Bankruptcy and Creditors’ Rights Attorneys, 2010

Ikonoklast

(23,973 posts)
54. This figures. Right Wing Asshat.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 02:38 AM
Oct 2012
http://azjewishpost.com/2011/a-provocateur-to-some-michele-bachmann-also-offers-jewish-voters-common-cause/

Todd Gurstel, a lawyer who backs Bachmann, was with her in 2008 when she toured the tunnel beneath the Western Wall. Gurstel said he enjoyed watching Bachmann fence with his liberal in-laws when she attended his daughter’s bat mitzvah.

“The thing that makes Michele different than any other politician is that she sticks to her conviction despite however outrageous it may seem to others,” he said.




Mr. Fuckstick.

NashvilleLefty

(811 posts)
39. What. The. Fu.....?
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:57 AM
Oct 2012

This angers me to no end. I would almost like to disable this fucker and see what he thinks. But I'll settle for him getting fired for being such an asshole.

defacto7

(13,485 posts)
41. Really, is that any different than what Romney and the TBs have already said?
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:58 AM
Oct 2012

Maybe a little more guarded, but the same sentiment.

freshwest

(53,661 posts)
51. +1. Same result. I think about Ryan's grandmother fawning over him in a campaign pic...
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:31 AM
Oct 2012

How does she feel about him signing the dotted line on the death of so many as he has done?

And the stunts he and the Teabaggers have pulled regarding the budget and debt ceiling, cutting off unemployment, refusing the jobs bill, defaming all the efforts to save homes, manufacturing jobs and cutting off food stamps... It's pro-death, not pro-life.

Just the threats of shutting the government down, which they were gleefully pursuing in their efforts to wring blood out of the American people.. He knew that people would die behind that.

When the SSA or other agencies that help people stay alive furlough their workers or short staffed, they don't get the vital work for those who are sick, and people do die, out of the way, just as surely as they do from an insurance company denying a health claim and causing a death.

Ryan knows this. It is part of his philsophy, that the 'takers' which is a myth, but it come from Ayn Rand who said all but the Supermen are 'parasites' who should literally be eliminated, that is, die.

No one in their right mind will vote for that man.

Cha

(297,258 posts)
43. What a sick job thinking berating people is the best
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:01 AM
Oct 2012

way to go for their "commission"!

How would prove something like that?

 

mick063

(2,424 posts)
61. Ever seen those mafia movies
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:53 AM
Oct 2012

where they send the goons to collect payment?


Debt collectors are the goons of the 1%.

Sgent

(5,857 posts)
81. Have you ever worked with IRS employees?
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:12 PM
Oct 2012

I ask because all of those I've interacted with have been professional and easy to work with.

That being said, they aren't necessarily easy on you, and will be aggressive in coming after your assets or other items in certain circumstances; however, they're not going to tell someone they'd be better off dead.

Terra Alta

(5,158 posts)
46. debt collectors are truly soulless, heartless creatures.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:10 AM
Oct 2012

If there is a hell, then there is a special place there for such monsters.

SleeplessinSoCal

(9,123 posts)
47. This needs a lot of attention. Back in 04 and 05 the constant argument for war was
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:11 AM
Oct 2012

"they volunteered". No matter how many deployments.

This guy should be forced to serve. The draft could come back.

http://www.dailypaul.com/244164/ex-us-commander-mcchrystal-calls-for-reviving-the-draft

Response to modem77 (Original post)

Michigan Alum

(335 posts)
56. They might be able to sue. There are strict rules regarding debt collection, esp harassment/abuse
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 03:00 AM
Oct 2012
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre27.pdf

A debt collector may not engage in any conduct the natu- ral consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any person in connection with the collection of a debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:

The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
 

davidn3600

(6,342 posts)
57. There are some banks and collection agencies that are real high on the slime factor
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 03:56 AM
Oct 2012

They dont hire normal people for this kind of work. These guys are disturbed and have the serial killer mentality. Zero empathy.

AC_Mem

(1,979 posts)
58. There is a special place in hell
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:21 AM
Oct 2012

for people like this (if I believed in hell)..

Honestly, what is wrong with these humans? it is like their minds are poisoned.

To all the vets reading this right now - especially the disabled ones. I now work for the VA Med Center. I see you every day, see your struggles and how you live your lives with dignity after facing things that 99% of Americans will never have to think about, let alone confront. You are an inspiration to me. When I work so hard that I think I can't do it- I take a walk through the hospital and realize why we are there. You have my gratitude, my admiration and I am HONORED to do what I can to help make a difference in your health and wellness.

Shine on,
Annette

eShirl

(18,493 posts)
59. that debt collector probably needs mental help
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 04:37 AM
Oct 2012

even though a thorough ass-kicking would be more satisfying, initially

either way, sue the shit out of the company; they should be proactive in keeping situations like this from happening with their personnel

stumblnrose

(449 posts)
62. Bill Collector Tried to Shame Me After Catastrophic Illness
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 05:08 AM
Oct 2012

Five years ago I almost died from a very dangerous pharmaceutical drug whose manufacturer is spending millions to block changes in the warning label - but that's another story. A bill collector was giving me a hard time about some medical bill insurance wouldn't cover (naturally, United Hellcare is the worst) and I asked the lady if she ever had a catastrophic illness and lost everything. She said NO, But I Have Three Children And Never Made A Late Payment in My Life.

 

WinkyDink

(51,311 posts)
66. THIS is what Republican greed-head rhetoric has wrought. THIS. I hold Romney, Ryan, and their ilk
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 07:44 AM
Oct 2012

personally responsible for this vile attitude and behavior.

 

alphafemale

(18,497 posts)
67. I had one call me on a neighbor. Said it was a family emergency.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 07:49 AM
Oct 2012

Had me go get them. Did I tell you I fucking HATE these people.

I could NOT do that for a living. I would be hungry before I would call and say these horrid things to people every day.

I think the people that do that shit are teabagger types and enjoy inflicting anguish on people.

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
70. That was blatantly illegal on their part.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 08:17 AM
Oct 2012

They do this because they know that most people don't know the law.

DiverDave

(4,886 posts)
71. They called you for a neighbor??
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 08:34 AM
Oct 2012

That is just sick, scaring people that a family member is hurt.
That is pretty low.
I wonder how they sleep at night.

 

alphafemale

(18,497 posts)
79. I couldn't do it.
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:25 PM
Oct 2012

The people on the phones are sort of forced to do that. But I wouldn't work that job.

Read a story once of a guy who worked collections took part in a take your kid to work day.

His kid was in tears "Daddy!" STOPP being so mean to people!!!" He quit that same day.

 

magical thyme

(14,881 posts)
76. I just sent them an email and thanked them for their service
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 11:48 AM
Oct 2012

in making clear to America the true right-wing agenda. Also had a little suggestion for them Below is my email. Their addy is info@gurstel.com

Just a great big thank you for showing the American people the true agenda and vileness of you rightwing nutcases. So much for supporting our troops and patriotism and all that happy garbage!

A suggestion: why don't you take your lazy lardbutts to the Middle East and do some real work for a change. With a little luck, maybe you'll get your sorry asses blown off the planet and decent human beings will never again find their Sunday mornings disturbed by disgusting stories of your harassment of our fallen heroes.

Sincerely,

An outraged and nauseated citizen

marezdotes

(110 posts)
77. This is how the American Taliban
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:08 PM
Oct 2012

aka the Republican Party really feel about our military men and women, a vast majority, members of the 47%. A few will openly verbalize it but the rest keep it hidden.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
78. OMG
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 12:10 PM
Oct 2012

That shows how evil they are. If one is disabled, one cannot work It's not like being on welfare. And if it is a veteran, it's even worse - the same people who were saying freedom isn't free and support the troops!

Another thought : how does this get the debt paid? Saying such things does not create the money to pay the debt.

MineralMan

(146,317 posts)
82. It may be that a lawsuit in this case will collect more than enough for
Sun Oct 14, 2012, 01:25 PM
Oct 2012

the disabled vet to pay off that old student loan. I certainly hope so.

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